A notice from the ‘tobacco control officer’ of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council claimed the farmer was observed in a commercial vehicle capable of ‘carrying more than one person’ - an offence which carries a fine of up to £1,000.

But the council today confirmed it was not pursuing the case.

A spokesman said: “Under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, it is against the law to smoke in work vehicles used by more than one person, even if those persons use the vehicle at different times, or only work intermittently.

“Regarding the case in question the completed Article 12 notice has been returned by the registered owner, and as the vehicle is only used by one person the smoking legislation does not apply. Therefore no fixed penalty will be issued.”